Motivation in The Workplace - A Generational Perspective

Understanding generational differences is key to effectively motivating employees across different age groups. By recognizing each generation's unique characteristics, organizations can create more satisfying and productive workplaces. Amid turbulent shifts in the business landscape, and despite extensive prior research on motivation, there remains a need to persist in investigating this area. The main goal of the paper is to investigate generational differences in work motivation among Polish employees, particularly in the post-COVID-19 era. The study focused on analyzing work motivation among employees spanning Generations X, Y, and Z. Data collection for the survey questionnaire took place during the second quarter of 2023, focused on individuals working in the Silesian Voivodeship, Poland. The empirical research results indicate that members of different generations differ in their perceptions of material motivational factors, non-material motivational factors (organizational and psychological), and in their perceptions of motivational barriers. The research findings can serve as a background for considerations regarding the motivation systems applied in organizations in post-pandemic conditions. Organizations can use the research findings to enhance various aspects of organizational effectiveness. Understanding generational disparities can also help create engaging work environments, improve leadership practices, and boost overall productivity and job satisfaction. The empirical studies discussed in this paper represent the first phase of research into work motivation that concerns generational distinctions. They reveal significant differences among generations in evaluating motivational and demotivational factors, laying the groundwork for future investigations.